On Pentecost Sunday, AD 33, the church began in Jerusalem with about 3,000 members (Acts 2:41).
A GREAT COMMISSION OVERLAY
Just before returning to heaven, Jesus gave the Great Commission. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15–16). This is a preview of Acts 2.
Mark 16:15 gave the disciples their marching orders; Acts 2 began the march. Jerusalem was the first stop on the apostles’ world tour. Mark 16 began the trumpeting of the gospel into the earth. Acts 2 opened the floodgates of God’s grace upon the world. Mark 16:16 offered salvation to every creature. Acts 2:41 recorded 3,000 souls being saved.
Placing an overlay of Mark 16:15–16 upon Acts 2 shows a perfect match.
- Into all the world—Every nation under heaven (Acts 2:5)
- Preach the gospel—Peter raised his voice (Acts 2:14)
- Every creature—Everyone heard (Acts 2:6)
- Believes—Cut to the heart (Acts 2:37)
- Is baptized—were baptized (Acts 2:41)
- Will be saved—the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
- Does not believe will be condemned—Others mocking (Acts 2:13)
DIVINE INITIATION
Deity initiated salvation in both passages. Mark records Jesus’ command, “Preach.” Luke records the Spirit giving the apostles the message. It was God’s great and notable day (Acts 2:20). Divine interest in human salvation did not end at Pentecost. The Spirit convicts every sinner saved today, pricking hearts with His sword (Ephesians 6:17). Jesus presently adds people to His church (Acts 2:47). God attends every assembly of His people each Sunday throughout the world (see John 4:24).
Since salvation centers on Him, baptism was “in the name of Jesus” (Acts 2:38; 4:13; Philippians 2:5). He is “Christ,” the anointed of God, sent from heaven to save lost people (Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10). What does it mean to “save” people? Save is an English present tense verb meaning “to rescue from danger.” It is used three times in Acts 2 (2:21, 40, 47),
twelve times in Acts (4:12; 11:14; 15:1, 11; 16:30–31; 27:20, 31, 43), and about three hundred times in Scripture. Salvation, a noun, means the “state of being delivered.” Acts uses it five times (4:12; 13:26, 47; 16:17; 28:28). Every sinner not rescued by Jesus will be lost.
Jesus saves souls (Matthew 16:26) from the everlasting fire (Matthew 25:41, 46; 1 Peter 1:3–5; Revelation 21:27). Sin—not God—sends them there (2 Thessalonians 1:8–10). Jesus’ blood redeems (pays the debt for) sinners (Ephesians 1:7; cf. 2:13). Sinners are rescued from sin’s condemnation and contaminations.
The verb save (sōtēria) is used in three senses: a beginning, a process, and a conclusion. We were saved (Romans 8:24); are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18; 15:2); will be saved (Romans 10:9, 13). For Christians, salvation is a present state enjoyed because of a past decision made in anticipation of a better future. Because salvation is not a fixed state (2 Peter 2:20–22), saints must escape Satan’s snares day by day (1 Timothy 3:6; 6:9–10; 2 Timothy 2:26) and remain safely refuged in the ark of the church (Hebrews 6:18; Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 1:13–18).
UNIVERSAL SCOPE
Acts 2 shows a universal need for salvation. The soul that sins, dies (Ezekiel 18:20), and all people sin (Romans 3:23). Nothing dead can go to heaven, where there is no death (John 8:21, 24, 34; Revelation 20:11–15; 21:21–27; 22:14–15).
The threshold of the world began where the disciples were (Acts 1:8). God planned the church’s inauguration well (Galatians 4:4–5). He brought devout Jews and proselytes from every nation under heaven to Jerusalem to hear the first gospel sermon (Acts 2:5). Sixteen nations, from a radius of about 1,400 miles, speaking perhaps twelve languages, were there—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamians, Judaeans, Cappadocians, Pontians, Asians,
Phrygians, Pamphylians, Egyptians, Libyans, Cyrenians, Romans, Cretans, and Arabs (2:6–11). Afterward, they took the gospel, the church, and Christianity home to these places, in their languages.
Later, Paul took the gospel of Jesus even farther—to men and women, slaves and masters, rich and poor, commoners and rulers, friend and foe—all over the empire (Acts 13–28).
HUMAN PROMOTION
At the Ascension, Jesus commanded His apostles to teach people how to be saved (Matthew 28:18–20). At the inauguration, He sent the Comforter to guide them (John 16:13; Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:16). On Pentecost, Peter was the primary spokesman, but all twelve spoke in different languages, and we assume they preached the same sermon.
The first step to salvation is personal recognition of sin. God will one day indict man in His court on charges of sin (Romans 3:9; 5:12). His decisions will be just—no one will be falsely condemned or get away with a crime (Acts 17:31). Until one realizes that he will stand as a rebellious lawbreaker in God’s court, he will not desire or seek salvation.
Who should be concerned about judgment? Only those who sin. What sin? Breaking any command—pride, violence, lying, lusting, drinking, hating, gossiping, fornication, envying, coveting, cheating, cursing, not loving God, stealing, skipping worship—makes one a lawbreaker (James 2:10; Matthew 5–7; Romans 1:18–32; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; Galatians 5:19–21). Sin has been man’s problem since Adam and Eve abused their newly acquired free will (Genesis 3:6). Everyone sins many times (1 John 1:8), so each needs salvation.
One who understands this needs little persuasion to become a Christian (Philippians 2:12). Angelo Patri said, “Education consists of being afraid of the right things”1 (see Deuteronomy 4:24; Psalm 33:8). A drowning man needs no coaxing to take a rescue rope. When sinners in Acts learned they were lost, they sought rescue.
- On Pentecost, people asked, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).
- The Ethiopian said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” (8:36).
- Saul wondered what God wanted him to do (9:6).
- The jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” (16:30).
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY
There were 3,000 individual conversions that day—not one conversion of 3,000 people. The process began with instruction (2:14, 41), proceeded to acceptance of evidence (faith), and ended in submission of will (repentance and baptism) (Acts 2:38; Isaiah 1:18; Romans 10:17; 12:2; John 5:24–25; 6:44–45; 8:32). All conversions follow this pattern (Acts 8:5–6, 12; 9:4, 18; 10:34, 48; 16:13–15, 32–34; 18:8; 19:2–5).
First, Jesus said to believe. Faith in Jesus’ deity is essential to Christianity (Acts 8:12; 9:4, 6; 10:43; 13:12, 48; John 8:21, 24; 12:42–43; Hebrews 11:6). Saving faith involves understanding the facts of Jesus’ birth, sinless character, teachings, miracles, death, burial, and resurrection. For others to know of one’s belief, one must confess Jesus as God’s Son. When Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may,” the Ethiopian answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37). Belief is trust.
Second, the Spirit commanded repentance (Acts 2:38; 11:18; 16:33; 17:30–31; Luke 13:3, 5; 2 Peter 3:9). Appreciating God’s goodness, fearing judgment, and godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10) lead to this change of mind that results in life reformation (Matthew 3:8; Romans 2:4). Peter’s sermon pierced listeners’ hearts and convicted them of sin (Acts 2:37). Their obedience demonstrated their faith (2:41).
Third, Jesus said to be baptized. Baptism was how sinners called on the Lord’s name (2:20–21; cf. 22:16). It resulted in receiving the gift of the Spirit (2:38), joy, and life change (2:46–47).
Definition. Baptize is a transliterated Greek word meaning “dipping or submerging.” New Testament baptisms were always full-body immersions (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). John practiced immersion (John 3:23) as did inspired preachers (Acts 8:37–39). Baptism’s symbolism requires covering, to match Jesus’ burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4; 1 Peter 3:21).
Purpose. In Acts, when someone asked how to be saved, baptism was always in the answer (Acts 8:12, 38; 10:48; 16:15; 18:8; 19:18). On Pentecost, those asking were told to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (2:38). Thus, baptism is as essential to salvation as having one’s sins forgiven. Acts twice connects “must” to baptism. Jesus told Saul someone would tell him what he must do to be saved (9:6). Ananias said to him, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins” (22:16; cf. 9:18). The jailer asked what he must do to be saved (16:30). The missionaries instructed him to be baptized (16:33).
Logistics. How could three thousand be baptized in one day? Some argue in favor of sprinkling by saying 3,000 immersions were impossible. This reveals a lack of understanding of Jerusalem, Jewish culture, the occasion, and Bible teaching.
As to time, there was enough. Peter’s sermon began at 9:00 a.m. Supposing it lasted an hour, eight hours of daylight remained, as Jews reckoned time (John 11:9). Allowing only twelve administrators, this gives two minutes per baptism. A baptism takes less than a minute, especially if all confessed as a group. Three thousand would not have required rushing.
As to locations, there was plenty of water in Jerusalem.
- The pools of Bethesda and Siloam (now the Fountain of the Virgin) were large enough to allow multiple baptisms at once (see John 5:7; 9:7). There was also a pool in the Tower of Antony.
- Private houses had baths for purifications by immersion, for cases of various defilements. This was so common that “digger of cisterns” was a profession. As to administrators, they were sufficient. Had only the twelve apostles baptized, each would have had a group of 250. Using twelve places, 3,000 could be baptized in a single day. Several could be immersed in a pool at the same time.
However, it is unlikely that only the apostles baptized. The seventy disciples (Luke 10:1) could baptize, reducing the number to thirtyseven baptisms each. The 120 (Acts 1:15) could have helped. Utilizing three pools, baths, cisterns, and
private houses, the task could be completed without fatigue. Further, those who were baptized could then baptize. This would further reduce the number and the time.
Result. Jesus used baptism to save these sinners and add them to His church (Acts 2:47; Galatians 3:27). Baptism is the door of the church (Galatians 3:27). It makes sense that one is saved and added to the church at the same time since the church is composed of the saved (Acts 2:47). Only those who obey become citizens of the kingdom.
ETERNAL STAKES
Some began the day mocking the preachers (Acts 2:13) and ended it rejecting the Savior. While 3,000 were baptized, this was likely a minority of the audience. How many were in the “multitude” that came to the scene when these sensational events were made known? (2:6). About 100,000 lived in Jerusalem at that time, and vast crowds—perhaps 50,000 more—from across the Roman Empire came to the temple city for Jewish festivals. With twelve preachers, the assembly must have spread over a large area. It is safe to say that the number rejecting the message was larger than those accepting.
What an opportunity these Jews had! Present on the day that had been anticipated for centuries (Isaiah 2; Daniel 2; Micah 4), they saw the Holy Spirit’s power poured out from heaven (manifestation) and heard the most talked about sermon in church history (proclamation). They were onsite when the church began. They were offered forgiveness and fellowship, salvation and security, hope and heaven.
What did they do? They went home unchanged. Back to sins and salaries. Vanity and vexations. Traditions and temptations. And, ultimately, damnation and separation. Jesus said those who do not believe “will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
The stakes are just as high today—eternity of bliss in heaven with God or eternity of fire in hell with Satan (Luke 16:19–31). God, in patience, lingers. The Spirit, in mercy, intercedes. Jesus, in love, awaits.
Endnote
1kinginstitute.stanford.edu/kingpapers/documents/masteryfear
